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doubt that they will accept your overlordship easily. They will all believe themselves more fit either to have the lady's hand or to bestow it where they think bestall, even the meanest, being better born than you." |
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That had saved the situation. Rage and hate had temporarily driven out fear. John paused to enjoy the bitten lips, clenched jaws and flushed faces that betrayed the leashed-in emotions his remarks had generated. He pricked the clods of filth that served his baser purposes quite deliberately. Because they did not dare revenge themselves upon him, the hate he bred spilled out all around. It made his "dear" Fulk and Henry more able at the work he chose for them. Moreover, the reminder of the hatred and contempt in which they were held by the great noblemen of John's court increased their loyalty even as it increased their responsive hatred. There was no one to whom they could turn for help and support. If anything happened to King John, they would be torn apart by the nobles whom his power now held in check. |
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"Now," he went on, "as I said when you first came in, I love you both and I love you equally and you are equally fit for this piece of work. Therefore, I find it impossible to choose between you." |
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"I will add whatever else you desire of the lady's lands," Fulk suggested persuasively. |
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"And I, of course," Henry hastened to agree, but a faint frown was beginning to grow between his shrewd eyes. |
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If the king was right and Alinor's vassals resisted, it would take much money and many men to subdue them. If a great part of the estate were promised away to the king, what would be left of the great prize besides debts? To Henry's relief, John shook his head. |
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"Roselynde and Iford I desire. The rest may remain with the lady and go to her heir when she goes, happily I trust, to her final rest. I do not mean to breed conflict between you by allowing you to strive for this prize. |
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